Explaining 9/11 To The SONS Of Thunder

Sep 4, 2011 by winjaw

A couple of nights ago we watched a National Geographic documentary on 9/11.

The show is set up like a timeline of the events, and it’s probably the best overview of what happened that tragic September day.

At the time of 9/11, Eldest was three; Middle SON was just shy of turning one; and Youngest SON wasn’t even on the horizon.

Fast-forward 10 years later as we watch the documentary. It was not easy for the SONS. It wasn’t easy for me either. And I’m trying to explain to the SONS why I want them to watch it, and I realize I’m not really sure why. I want them to understand, to remember, to realize there is evil in the world. But I think it was a little too much.

The SONS know what 9/11 is, they’ve learned about it at school. But watching the documentary, actually seeing real footage of planes slamming into the World Trade Centers, is different.

They don’t get it. They don’t understand why anyone would hijack a plane and then fly it into a massive office tower simply to kill themselves and as many others as they can. I don’t either and my explanation that there are bad people in the world just wasn’t good enough for them.

They continue to watch, more in disbelief and sorrow than anything else. And then there’s the footage of bodies falling out of the buildings. People who just jumped. I forgot about that. It was at that point that Middle SON got up, said he would never fly in an airplane and refused to watch anymore.  And The Little Black Dress got up to go be with him.

I didn’t blame him or force the issue.

The other two SONS continue to watch, but you can hear a sniffle every now and then, and see an occasional wiping away of tears. And I know what they are thinking …

Adults are stupid.

And they are right. The SONS, bless them, are still at that age where they don’t see color. Or race. Or religion. They will play with anyone, any time, any place. Just bring your Legos and Air Soft guns.
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When does that change? When do we become “adults?” When do we switch from playing kickball with all the kids out in the street to hijacking a plane and flying it into an office building.

9/11 is an extreme example. But this change from “kids” to “adults” shows up every day. We go from playing with everyone to, far too often, only “playing” with those of the same race, color and religion.

But we’re adults so we know what’s best – kids are just kids and just don’t understand.

Or do they?

Yes, we grow up. Yes, we become adults and enter the world to seek our fame and fortune. But maybe some parts of us shouldn’t grow up.